The World Food Programme is cutting food aid in Gaza due to a severe lack of funding, impacting over one million people.
The World Food Programme (WFP) must cut its aid to Gaza. A lack of money forces these difficult changes. The agency will now help 1.1 million people instead of 1.6 million.
Also, the group will provide fewer hot meals to those in need. Daily meals at community kitchens will drop from 250,000 to 150,000. Families in specific areas will receive meals every two days.
Next, the WFP will reduce the number of people getting food boxes. These boxes contain essential items like flour. Monthly recipients will fall from 1.1 million to 600,000.
However, the need for food remains very high. Nearly all of Gaza's population is displaced from their homes. Two-thirds of the people rely on aid to survive.
Meanwhile, mothers in Gaza describe the news as a disaster. Many families already struggle with small portions. They worry about how to feed their children during winter.
As a result, some families must burn plastic or cardboard for fuel. They use these items to cook food. Cooking gas is currently not available in the region.
Still, the WFP director says the cuts are purely financial. The agency has enough access to deliver supplies. It simply lacks the funds to maintain current operations.
Finally, the WFP needs $450 million for the next six months. The agency received less than half its expected funding this year. Experts warn that food insecurity remains a major threat.